£53 a month for water! (Metered)

gadgeteer_2

Hi all

Just wanted to check if this is true or not. I called Severn Trent as my bill seems to have jumped massively. They tell me that my DD should go up to £53 per month and that it's pretty average for a family of five.

Is that true? Is anyone else with a family of 5 or more (who is on a meter) paying similar?

A few years ago we were a family of 6 and I've never had to pay this much! Probably about £40 a month IIRC.

Money_maker

Nope, family of 5 paying under £20 month. Sewage is a little more but we're south east water and I believe the prices vary wildly in different areas.

gadgeteer_2

Are you on a meter? We're with Severn Trent and I think even my sewerage a month is more than £20 so doubt I'd get under that!

bobble_hat

Thanks for your post OP, my DD has just gone up to £49 a month, we're a family of 3, I didn't think this could be realistic. Anyone know the best way to challenge?

gadgeteer_2

I know! Crazy isn't it!?!?

What I was told was simply to not use any water for a few hours and see if the meter moved. If not then i don't have a leak.

Not sure how accurate/reliable these meters are.

I'm going to get an eco showerhead and try it. I did have one of them water widgets but I didn't like the result as it mixed air with the water flow so my shower didn't feel as powerful.

But that was before my bill! I may rethink my attitude on them now!

Cardew

A family of 5 should use on average 250 to 300 cubic metres a year.

With Severn Trent a cubic metre costs £2.35 (water and sewerage) plus approx £35 in standing charges. Are you paying for Surface water Drainage? (called Measured drainage Band 1, 2 or 3) you may be able to claim relief from that charge.

moonrakerz

Cardew wrote: »

A family of 5 should use on average 250 to 300 cubic metres a year.

With Severn Trent a cubic metre costs £2.35 (water and sewerage) plus approx £35 in standing charges. Are you paying for Surface water Drainage? (called Measured drainage Band 1, 2 or 3) you may be able to claim relief from that charge.

On those figures the OP is getting a good deal !

I note the original post says:

"A few years ago .................... never had to pay this much! Probably about £40 a month IIRC."

I can remember "a few years ago" when I could fill up my Escort for £2 !! :D

Bumpmakesfour

Family of five here in the South East..we pay £46 a month.

hcb42

we pay about £20 a month to ST, but there are only two of us.

Is the DD catching up on a shortfall perhaps?

gadgeteer_2

My shortfall is about £18 so not a big deal really.

Judging from responses, it's not so way out. I guess it's just a sign of the times? Just yet another bill flipping going up.

wessex12

I wish we were paying £20.00 a month. £90.00 a month, joys of living in the South West!